Cozy Winter

Whether winter brings to mind the peace of a snowy woodland or pine branches brought inside as festive decoration, this is the season of coziness. A walk through the woods is an opportunity to bundle up with chunky mittens and knits. There may be no better time to wear a fluffy pom-pom. Inside there is coziness to be found in a cup of rich hot chocolate and, for a while, the garlands and ornaments that surround us.

I’ve always loved winter for the way it calls us to be a little more still, more warm, perhaps even more thoughtful about things we might take for granted in other seasons. Heading out on a snowy day requires extra planning that rewards us with the comfort of plush boots and extra cups of something warm to drink.

Spice, chocolate, and citrus are three things on my cozy list, but there are others as well. Here are some tasty ways to make this winter extra cozy.

• Indulge in Rich Hot Chocolate

Made with a good amount of melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, my hot chocolate is rich enough that it deserves to be sipped from demitasse, or espresso, cups. This recipe includes my cinnamon and lavender spin, but it can certainly be made without these additions. Even if you enjoy it on its own or with whipped cream, as I do, consider serving it with marshmallows large and small so everyone can customize to their liking. To make the heart shaped marshmallows featured here, cut a large marshmallow in half before pushing a small cookie cutter lightly coated in cooking spray right through the center.

• Spice Up Morning Tea

Once the weather gets downright cold, I switch my morning tea to a blend with lots of spice. Black tea is strong enough for the tang of chile and even some tropical flavors like pineapple. While it may not seem like a traditional winter tea blend, the combination of bright and spicy flavors lends just the right amount of heat to start the day. Pair it with a pineapple linzer cookie for the ultimate cozy breakfast or mid-day treat.

• Find a Satisfying French Dip

When it’s snowing outside, sometimes the best thing to do is find a cozy restaurant and order a bit of comfort food. If that dish comes with slices of tender, lean roast beef, a crusty roll with soft interior, and a hearty jus for dipping, all the better. I’ll take mine with horseradish sauce as well.

• Roast Vegetables Simply

Baby carrots roast up so well in the oven that they might just be my favorite part of any meal with which I make them. Olive oil, salt, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper are the basis for a simple roasted carrot side dish that can be made in a 425 degree oven. Black pepper is often thought of as simply the seasoning partner of salt, but it has a long history as part of winter spice blends, often being partnered with ginger, clove, and cinnamon. Against the sweetness of roasted carrots, black pepper reminds us so well of its traditional winter uses.

• Candy Slices of Citrus

Crisp citrus is festive in the winter, and candied slices of orange, clementine, lemon, and the like are even more so, particularly with their stained glass appearance. On a table filled with holiday sweets, a plate of candied citrus lures guests with the promise of tanginess and a wonderful chewy texture. Cook thin slices of citrus in a mixture of sugar and water until translucent then allow to air-dry or bake using this method. Enjoy the slices on their own, as drink garnishes, or in desserts including these fruit-studded gingerbread stars. Save the syrup for use in drinks.